I’ve happily used an Ameda pump
(pictured left) for all three (and soon to be four) of my children, and
it’s definitely a work horse. But I had the opportunity to try out the Medela Hands Free pump
last year and I have to say, I now understand why moms swoon over it,
you know, as far as swooning over breast pumps go. Either way, these
two pumps will make the milk harvesting (ha) a little easier.

Nursing Tops

While
I don’t think you need a complete wardrobe of nursing shirts, they do make
traveling, pumping at work, and nursing in public a little easier. My
favorite casual pick has to be the Momzelle organic nursing shirt, which is super comfortable and very easy to use.

If you’re looking for something fancier, a nursing top from Isabella Oliver
is worth the investment. Their designers make fabulous shirts that look
like they’re right off the rack at your favorite, swanky local boutique.

Nursing Bras

I’ve spent most of my breastfeeding moments in Glamourmom Nursing Tanks,
which offer decent support along with great belly coverage and can be
worn alone or layered with other shirts thanks to the awesome colors
and various styles now available.

But if I had to pick a go-to bra, I’d head straight for my stack of Bravado nursing bras (right), which are still comfortable wash after wash, kid after kid.

Nursing Pillow

Even
after breastfeeding three kids, I’m still a huge fan of using a nursing
pillow, if only to save my poor arm and aching back. The Blessed Nest nursing pillow is unlike anything I’ve ever seen, and that’s probably why I’m still using my same one 6 years later.

Breastfeeding Books

The
truth is that you’ll find no shortage of fantastic books out there that
will walk you through the sometimes blissful, sometimes challenging
aspects of breastfeeding. But, nothing will give you a hearty chuckle
like “If these Boobs Could Talk“
– a hilarious book just for breastfeeding moms. Because aside from all
the handy gear and bras that pop open with one hand, one thing that all
moms could use is a good laugh. -Kristen